Shelby Ross Perkins was born in 1959 at the old Garden City Hospital, which was located on Ford Road. He grew up and then raised his own children in his childhood home in Garden City. Shelby was the "baby" of the family: eight years younger than his next oldest sibling, making him the apple of everyone's eye.

Shelby attended Garden City East High School, graduating in 1977. He was active in school athletics, playing basketball and running track. His perseverance was evident even then. One time, as fate would have it, his own future father-in-law was watching him during a hurdles race. Shelby knocked one over early in the race, losing his chance to win. In retribution, he then ran over the remaining hurdles. Mr. Hodges was impressed he didn't give up and completed the event.

After high school, Shelby joined the railway, working on repairing tracks throughout the Midwest area and as far away as West Virginia. He stayed in camp cars, which traveled along with the rail gang as they installed new track. This provided many exciting adventures as the rail crew passed through many local towns. These adventures may have included a scuffle or two at the local tavern.

Shelby joined the Detroit Free Press as a District Manager in 1986, allowing him to stop traveling and be home with his family. Shelby worked for the newspaper until the strike in 1995. He was a strong union supporter and taught his children to do their best job, no matter what it was.

Shelby began working at Silver Shadow Recovery in 1996, and worked as a repossession representative, and soon becoming the manager of the company.

In 1998, Shelby and his wife Kelly opened Guardian Martial Arts & Fitness, teaching American Kenpo to students of all ages. Shelby also taught students the values of martial arts, which directly translated to developing individuals of character. Shelby leaves a legacy of students and families, whom he positively impacted with his instruction, but more importantly by his example.

Shelby earned the rank of Fourth Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo, as well as Second Degree Black Belt in Kyusho Jitsu. He also held rank in Arnis. While running GMA, Shelby also worked at Motor City Medical as a DME manager for ten years. After that, he accepted a position as a Branch Manager at Air Gas in Flint, MI, until his failing health forced him to retire.

Shelby married Kelly Hodges Horvath in 1982, and they enjoyed five children and twelve grandchildren for over forty-two and a half years. Their children and family mean everything to them. They did their very best to support them and guide them in all their endeavors.

Shelby enjoyed hunting and camping in the beautiful forests of Michigan, sharing his love of the outdoors with his children, who have gone on to share their love of the outdoors with their children.
Shelby waged a valiant battle to stay with his wife Kelly, and their children Tony (Tera), Brian (Kara), McKenna (Jared), Shannon (Jeffrey), and Cally.

Papa's grandchildren are Micah, Avrey, Josiah, Ella, Renaya, Addison, Malachi, Emma, Jacob, Porter, Benjamin, and Harper. They already miss him very much.

Shelby's dear sister Brenda (& Howard) survive him, with sister Pat (Neel), brother Bobbie (Kay survives), and sister Jearline (Daryl) all having gone on to heaven ahead.

Shelby loved and is dearly loved by brother-in-law Ken (Dawn), sisters-in-law Brenda (Tom), and JillLynn (Dan). Many nieces and nephews were also special blessings to Shelby.

Shelby had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a hard worker and felt it important to always give one's best. He was a strong, tall man, not only in stature but in character and example.
His illness may have taken his physical strength, but never his inner strength.

Shelby passed away on December 13th, 2023, in his home, surrounded by family.

Shelby believed in Jesus and the Resurrection. This relationship carried him through many challenges in life and lifted his joy and gratitude as he enjoyed the blessings of his family. He will be greatly missed, but we will see him again, with Jesus, at the end of all things.

Gathering information: December 26th, 2023.

A Gathering Time will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a memorial service at 1:00 PM. The service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 5885 Venoy Rd. Westland, Michigan 48185.

In addition, per Shelby's wishes, there will be a celebration of life party this summer. The date is yet to be determined.

Flowers, plants, or donations can be sent to 30485 Dawson, Garden City, Michigan 48135.

Any additional donations can be made in Shelby's name to the American Cancer Society for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.